how hard do you think this piece is? its on the current LRSM syllabus. But ive listened to recordings of it and it doesnt sound much harder in a technical or musical sense than a Dip piece.

even so thats a piece i wont be playing for ages!!

Firstly, the key is F# Major, not f minor. The ABRSM rightly ranks it with the four Ballades and the Polonaise-Fantasie, all at LRSM level, and it indeed is a worthy peer to these five other masterworks. Make no mistake, it's not easy. I wouldn't want to go into details here, but there are many challenges involved. The pedalling in particular would require a high degree of skill given the complex and rapidly changing harmonies.

One other incidental challenge is the exotic key, and this combined with Chopin's absolutely rigorous and orthodox notation in the modulations leads to one facing a barrage of double-sharps in complex chords towards the end. Of course, you'll be memorising it, so this notational complication won't be a serious problem to you and may be a useful preparation for subsequently tackling Messaien's piano works...

It is.....hard....
all dip pieces are not easy....

You will not get a true picture of how difficult this piece is unile you see the score; lots of detail is hidden if you only listen to it.

To put it into perspective, I find it as difficult to play as the Ab Ballade but easier than either the F maj and G minor Ballades. I find it pretty much on a par with the Bb and C# minor scherzi.

Hope this helps

Steve

I'm studying this piece at the moment and don't have it anywhere near ready to perform yet.

There are many little bits of hidden detail, that requires voicing. The pedal can very easily get muddy, its great music and I'm thoroughly enjoying it, but certainly not one to underestimate and the further you get the harder it gets.